Cornish American Heritage Society Tam “ A“ bit of Cornish” Kernewek Volume 32 3 Issue Volume

48

Fall 2014 2014 Fall

Presidents’ Messages

I can't believe the excitement of the 17th Gathering is over! It has been a whirlwind and a great success. The Cornish Society of Greater Milwaukee pulled it off well, if I do say so myself. Thanks to all the great presenters and Cornish Cous- ins who really made it a family reunion. It was a pleasure meeting many names I had only read before.

I am so happy that Kathryn Herman has agreed to take over as president. After two years of working with her on the plan- ning committee, I know she is a woman of great organization and imagination. Her knowledge of and connec- tions there will give the CAHS a direction I couldn't give. I will be happy to continue serving as an officer (historian), so I can work on projects for the Society.

As I hand over the role of president to Kathryn, I will be finishing up some things started at the Gathering. (And Kathryn deserves to catch her breath!) Our business meeting was cut short. Ultimately that may be an advantage, since some questions might be better addressed via e-mails with the participants, rather than a hurried discussion we would have had there. If any of the CAHS members not present at the Gathering would like to be included in the discussion, please write me.

Again, thanks to all for the great Gathering! It is now a matter of continuing the energy we had in Milwaukee. And the questions remains... Who will host the 18th Gathering in 2016?

It has been a pleasure being your president and look forward to my future with CAHS.

Oll an gwella (All the best),

Tom

Dear Members of the Cornish American Heritage Society,

Coming from the 17th Gathering of the Cornish Cousins in Milwaukee, I am more aware than ever that the Cornish in America are a committed, dedicated, knowledgeable, hard-working, diverse, jolly, loving, and yes, a formidable group of people. If you were with us in Milwaukee, you witnessed it.

As your new president, I am more aware than ever that in order to retain the significance of our rich heritage we not only want to celebrate among ourselves, but we want to share that richness with others outside the “tribe”. Sharing the effect of our immigrant ancestors on the New World will provide a lesson in American history, as their impact was, indeed, an important part of how this nation was shaped.

The several years ahead when I hope to meet many of you around the country will be a joy for me. In that spirit, I would ask that you let me know of your activities, meetings, and celebrations so that I can plan to be with you at some of them. My husband, Vern, and I are always looking for an excuse to take a trip!

You can reach me at [email protected], or at 222 Park Place, #476, Waukesha WI 53186, or at 262- 446-9406. I look forward to hearing from you.

At the Gathering Bardic Ceremony the Presiding asked “Is there Peace?”, and the participating re- sponded, “Peace!” To which the Presiding Bard declared, “Since there is Peace, then LET US PROCEED.” Yes, let us proceed.

Kathryn Herman, President Cornish American Heritage Society

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John Wesley’s advice for the future of the Cornish Movement Cornish Gorsedh – 2014 The big question at the 17th Gathering in Milwaukee was: How can At the annual Open Gorsedh to be held this year we pass on the tradition? We face dilution of our bloodlines and aging of our most loyal members. There was insufficient time to in in the Tamar Valley, on Saturday, answer the question but we came up with some seeds of ideas. September 6, twenty-three initiates will be awarded Bardship. Five of the candidates re- Some urged that we must renew efforts to engage younger people. side outside of the British Isles. Someone else suggested that we broaden our reach to people with no Cornish connection and interest them in our culture and history. Wendy Benoit, Victoria, Robert Lloyd, Bendigo, A practical suggestion was that we further modernize our communi- and Derek Richard Trewarne, Victoria for their cation and make energetic use of social media. And that got me work for Cornwall in Australia, Jean Harry, thinking. Cambridge, New Zealand for her continuing work for Cornwall in New Zealand, and Ronan During the years of researching and writing The Miner & the Vis- count my passion strengthened to tell the story of the county of my Tremel, Kalleg, by examination in the birth, our roots. My early readers who have never yet been to Corn- and continuing work for Corn- wall and know little about it tell me that they are now fascinated to wall. learn more. They are amazed at the contributions of our ancestors to invention, art, writing, education, mining, farming, exploration, Ronan is one of ten candidates who have quali- empire, government, religion, daring, freedom. They admire the fied by examination in the Cornish language. In pluck, the determination and the independence of our forebears. addition, Ronan is recognized for continuing work for Cornwall. Many of us tell the story of Cornwall and the history of our fami- lies. Let more of us build on that telling and leverage it, broadcast Tommi O’Hagan our message, publicize our doings, reach more people, network. Let Source: www.gorsethkernow.org.uk us contribute to our wonderful newsletter Tam Kernewek, contact ************************************************************ our Cousin Jack website, bring more people to our excellent Gath- erings, support our national and local societies, participate in organ- izing our meetings and events. "Diaspora” is a term derived from a Greek verb meaning scattered or spread. It's used in refer- We have the tools of social media lying at our feet: Facebook, Twit- ence to a scattered population with a common ter, Linked-In, and many more. Let us use them widely. “Friend” origin in a smaller geographic area and/or the our fellows who tell our story; “follow” and “retweet” those who movement of the population or a portion of the preach our message; “link” to build connections. Surely there are experts in our midst who can teach us how to use these strategies population from its original homeland. Thus, all effectively. of us with ancestors in Cornwall who have 'scattered' to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, John Wesley used the tools of his day to spread his gospel. His core Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Chile, belief was in social holiness, helping each other. In the funeral sce- Mexico, (the list goes on and on) are part of the ne at Pendeen (Chapter 56 of The Miner & the Viscount”) I quoted from a hymn the line, “That I might fight befriended.” Then the Diaspora. preacher spoke passionately to the tinners’ families gathered in the Tommi O’Hagan Methodist chapel: ------“I urge that we sitting in this chapel today enter into a cov- enant blessed by God to befriend each other in a profound way. John Wesley has taught us of the importance of our personal faith, but he has also taught us that our faith must show us how to take good works into our community in practical ways. We must reach outside our own families, and ourselves to our neighbors and our fellow workers. Mr. Wesley has written that: “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.”

We have been given the gift of social media. Let us accept it with gratitude and use it with energy. Dick Baker on the Palmyra tour at cemetery in Little Prairie, Wis- consin. His family settled in the town when they came to Wiscon- Richard Hoskin sin from Cornwall. 50 Keep Cornwall whole, say politicians 17th Gathering By cg_graham Evaluation Form Summary Posted: July 05, 2014 WHAT I LIKED West Briton August 9, 2014 Workshops were excellent westbriton.com General session for major topics Presenters prepared and very professional Enjoyed the “intellectual” aspect of this Gathering GREAT BRASS BAND GREAT ART CURATOR Paul Tyler Generally liked the events I attended Format was good LIKED THE BRASS BAND Presentations were good! Good variety of subjects, good Politicians from all three of the major parties have welcomed a presenters Interacting with others interested in Cornwall report advocating that any new review of Parliamentary constitu- Having Cornish guests ency boundaries should respect the Cornish border. Good mix of general sessions and workshops Last year MPs rejected plans to reduce their numbers from 650 Well-organized…sessions on time to 600, which would have meant at least one Cornish constitu- Having many attendees at same hotel ency being “shared” with Devon. The Boundary Commission is GATHERING PLACE A GOOD IDEA required, as far as possible, to ensure that all Parliamentary Length of Gathering seats hold roughly equal numbers of voters and this had posed GOOD MUSIC, as always a threat to the existing North Cornwall and South East Cornwall Friendly people constituencies. Good-sized box lunch The Commission is again due to begin the multi-million pound Vendors were present during most of the Gathering Zelazo Center was very conducive to programs…all in one project of radically redrawing constituency boundaries once place again in 2016, unless Parliament amends the law next year. GATHERING PLACE WAS EXCELLENT Existing constituencies vary massively in size between different Very well organized parts of the UK, with some Welsh seats containing as few as Liked the general sessions 40,687 voters while the Isle of Wight constituency contains Very interesting presenters around 111,109. Good to have all activities under one roof Last week an academic report published by the McDougall Trust Good lineup of workshops with good variety suggested making sure that any fresh shake-up should respect EVERYTHING! boundaries that people consider important, including that be- MILWAUKEE FESTIVAL BRASS BAND SUPERB tween Cornwall and Devon. Meeting site excellent Great debate Former North Cornwall MP, Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat), co- BAND OVER THE TOP sponsored the report's cross-party launch, with former Political Presentations were all great Reform Minister (Conservative), Mark Harper MP and Political Organization of program excellent Reform Select Committee Chair (Labour), Graham Allen MP. Most speakers were very good Lord Tyler said: "The risk is that without a change in the law MILWAUKEE BRASS BAND EXCELLENT after 2015, the Boundary Commissions could spend nearly £7m Curator talk about Cornish Impressionism on another review with totally unsatisfactory results. For Corn- Hotel – LaQuinta – excellent wall, the outcome would be particularly bad, since the present LOVED THE DEBATE on which town was the more Cornish! rules make a cross-border Devon/Cornwall constituency more Loved the Brass Band lecture and concert or less inevitable. This report shows the way - on a totally non- Supper was delicious – especially appreciated the little touches (like Cornish flag on the brownies, little Cornish flags on the partisan basis - to make the system fairer without breaching centerpieces) strong natural borders like that between Cornwall and ." Very much enjoyed the Gathering Place and all the displays The current North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson said: "A cross- Mark Taylor’s presentation Friday morning was wonderful. border seat is unwanted by those living in both Devon and in BRASS BAND WAS TERRIFIC. THEY WERE THE HIGHLIGHT OF Cornwall. I have always said that I am happy for the number of THE DAY. MPs to be reduced, but that this should take account of natural Catherine Sawinski’s presentation was a real surprise. What a community boundaries and the strength of feeling amongst the treat. Makes me want to find out more about the School of Art. public that the historic border between Cornwall and England (Winter project). should be maintained.” Ron James – entertaining and educational, as always Loved the friendly sparring between Grass Valley and Mineral Point. ALL THE MUSIC Tour of Milwaukee architecture 51 Survey con’t: Survey con’t: All the activities in the one centre workshops and entertainment. Boxed lunches available Very well organized. Thank you very much. Shuttle bus schedule Big thanks to Milwaukee for hosting!! The varied programs and performances were excellent Very well-planned and coordinated. Everything ran on time. All presentations I attended were very good Signage very well done and easily read. And from one who only attended the Pasty Supper and Band Concert: Good job! Wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones. The Cornish Cousins evening was delightful! were Thanks for a job well done. great and the music was awesome. We enjoyed ourselves very much! Liked Gathering Place If possible, it would have been nice to have a shuttle bus at WHAT COULD BE BETTER mid-day, so you could explore other things in Milwaukee, i.e., Some of this can’t be controlled but will offer this advice: Art Museum, since that tour was cancelled. Pasties were not good. I understand you probably had to go Thank you for a fun filled four days. Congratulations on a through the University but perhaps the church next door, successful 17th Gathering! Thanks for the shuttle service to if it could, would have hosted it. (Then outside/better past- and from the hotel. Very helpful not to have to drive. ies could be ordered) Enjoyed the whole Gathering. The committee is to be con- Buses – the timing was off…too much time wasted before gratulated. Job well done! Thanks! events/workshops The organizers did an excellent job of arranging the program Missed having a tea :( and facility. Shuttle bus a bit tedious. Closer accommodation would be nice. An early city tour on Saturday before the first session would be nice (less traffic then) Have location where there are more outdoor activities, less isolat- ed…see more of area during conference A few more longer breaks during day, but not as much time be- tween dinner and evening performance Jeanne Thomas Pasty dinner with more authentic pasties, eg, Mineral Point, Calu- met Copies of presentations available Zelazo rooms could have been warmer Include hometown location on name badge A proper pasty Jeanne Thomas, long time president of the Cornish Con- More frequent shuttles nection of Lower Michigan as well as a long time member Shuttle to church service of CAHS, died August 25 after a valiant battle with Lym- Multiple presentations of most informative topics. More time between last afternoon presentation and evening enter- phoma. Jeanne has served CAHS for many years as a tainment Board member and in managing the applications for Cor- Distance between LaQuinta and Zelazo meant that there could nish Heritage Certificates which have benefited the Paul be little (as in practically no) personal time. Smales Fund. Little place to rest – maybe auditorium could have been left open when presentations were elsewhere. Beyond your control: too cold/cool Her husband, Jim, has also been a faithful servant of Nothing! CAHS, as Treasurer for many years and for the last sever- Pasty dinner al years using the data from membership applications to Larger pasties with less carrots and more rutabaga help members researching the same surnames to network Coffee in Gathering Place – weak hot water – not worth $1.00. with one another. The Members' Interest page in Tam Worse than hotel coffee! Wish the breakout sessions could have been offered at more Kernewek is the result of Jim's work. times so we didn’t have to pick and choose and miss some of the good ones. A memorial service will be held for Jeanne at 1 PM Satur- Wish the genealogy session (David Holman) would have been day September 6, 2014 at Flushing United Methodist a breakout session rather than a general session. Church, in Flushing, MI. Pasty Supper! I’m sure you’re aware that the pasties could have been better! I would have liked a larger pasty or the option to purchase an In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to extra one. the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the American

GENERAL COMMENTS Cancer Society. THANK YOU! All your hard work showed and you all deserve to be very proud of what you accomplished. This is my 3rd event and although not the best pasties, the best workshops 52

Correspondence from Societies CALL FOR PAPERS

and Cousin Jack Website A Biennial Seminar will again be held in association with

Kernewek Lowender at Wallaroo Town Hall, Wallaroo, South Aus- Harry Glasson responded to a video I shared tralia on Thursday 21 May 2015. on Facebook. “Yes, I can kind of sing, enough to enjoy it and to start writing again “The Cornish were here earlier than you think!” anyway. Nomination to be made asap – then 250 word extract and formal —————————————————————————-- application by 3 November. Cornwall My Home Contact Noel Carthew, CASA Secretary, PO Box 194, Rundle Mall Another song on YouTube: S.A. 5000, email: [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUXuZuw8nss Information and the forms also available from CANSW Secretary Cornwall My Home by email [email protected].

****************************************************************** *************** A Tombstone That Says It All The members and friends of the Cornish Association of Queens- land will be celebrating 20 years since its foundation (initially as a branch of NSW) in 1994. A lunch will be held on Saturday 27 Sep- Sometimes a tombstone can tember, 2014. be brutally honest. Here is Joy Dunkerley (President, CANSW) and Chris Dunkerley one example, as shown in (Secretary) will be attending and speaking as they assisted in or- the photograph taken by ganising and chaired the first meeting in Brisbane. Alan Jones in the Arrow- town’s Cemetery in Otago ************************* Province, New Zealand. ‘

Silly’ sayings When she saw her first strands of grey hair, she thought she’d In Memory of dye!” Edward Thomas Thompson Native of Newcastle—on—Tyne From the Cornish Association of New South newsletter 1824-1898 Pioneer~Publican~Snob

Courtesy of Alan Jones and article in Eogn.com August 13, Central Mine Methodist Church 2014 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A church that comes alive one Sunday a year to celebrate the heritage of a mining community in Michigan’s Cornish Lads by Stowe’s Cornish Folk Band Keweenaw Peninsula, is looking for backup pastor for

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16w7-ygmY1g the annual Reunion Service in Central, Michigan. Prefer someone with a Cornish background, but not required. Nick Bartle, President of New Zealand Cornish Association likes The 109th reunion will be held Sunday, July 26, 2015 this version best. Seems many folk have Cornish YouTube fa- with services at 9 and 11 AM. vorites this quarter.

The words of the chorus were painted in a poignant message on Please contact: the wall outside South Crofty mine when it closed in March Brian Wake 1998. H. 920-743-2174 C. 920-256-3038

From New Zealand Cornish Associa- Or tion newsletter Dave Thomas Email: [email protected]

54 Correspondence con’t: The 23rd Gathering of California Cornish Cousins— held at the Paso Robles Inn May 30-June 1—attracted a small but very Cornwall Calling enthusiastic crowd. Sometimes small is better, especially when it comes to being able to visit with and get to know more about fas- Invest in Cornwall is launching Cornwall Calling, a website to cinating people who also have links to Cornwall. At the gathering engage people around the world with a connection to Cornwall. Gage was elected to serve as our president for the next two Our research shows that 99% of people who relocate to Cornwall years. Planning for the next year’s Gathering in Penn Valley/ do so because they have a connection: they grew up here, visited Grass Valley was initiated. The theme next year: “Cornish Cow- here or have family here. boys.” Therefore Cornwall Calling has been designed to engage with Also discussed at that time was the 25th Anniversary Gathering & this key audience, in order to celebrate Cornish culture and herit- Reunion, which is going to be a very special occasion, and a lot age, and lifestyle. Our content also helps to reinforce Cornwall’s of fun in 2016. Could be that University of the Pacific in Stockton business pedigree as a modern and thriving location for work and will be the venue. life. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We would like your help to spread the word about our website, as you have links with people passionate about Cornwall, all over A TOUCH OF HUMOUR the world. The website is live and ready to explore. We have pulled out a A group in has ‘hatched’ a plan to help keep ex-battery couple of links we thought you might enjoy: hens warm. The Knit and Natter group was knitting for the Penguin Trust, a Cornish Writers: http://www.cornwallcalling.com/cornish-muse- group which rescued oil covered penguins, but have now turned writers-whove-inspired-far-south-west/ their skills to making warm coats for hens. The British Hen Welfare Trust re-homes thousands of hens that Videos: http://www.cornwallcalling.com/cornwall-art-scene/ are still productive enough to provide enough fresh eggs for a family for a number of years. Please note that Cornwall Calling social media pages can be Up to 10-20 per cent of ex-battery hens can have partial feather followed via the following websites: loss due to various causes such as stressful housing conditions. The feathers grow back within a few months, but in the meantime https://twitter.com/cornwall_calls the hens are building up their body and limb strength with their warm coats, and need a little extra help to keep warm whilst they https://www.facebook.com/CornwallCallingUK recover and get used to their new environment

From the Toronto Cornish Association newsletter ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hello, my late father and all his family were born in Cornwall. My query concerns George Best who is buried in Lakewood Ceme- tery, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, MN. My grandma married a George Best in St. Austell Cornwall in 1907. George died in 1973 aged 98 according to the records. I am sure that this George Best and my grandma’s husband are the same person. He appears to have altered by exactly 10 years, the same day and month of birth, only 10 years older, perhaps to avoid the ww1 draft. Please check the website www.lizandstu.com and Lakewood Cemetery and let me know if you agree. My grandma was born Martha Dun- gey 1886-1937, kind regards, Simon Best Ancient Monument Carwynnen Quoit Rebuilt

E-Mail: [email protected] Carwynnen Quoit, or Giant's Quoit, a 5,000-year-old burial cham- ber near Troon, collapsed in 1966. The burial chamber had fallen From CousinJack.org apart but, with help from archaeologists, it is standing proud once again. Replacing the capstone was the last piece of work carried out by owners, the Sustainable Trust, which bought the site in 2009.The ancient granite monument is believed to date as far back as the Neolithic period. 55 Correspondence con’t: Roy discovered his Cornish ances- tor’s grave when he visited in The Cornwall Sustain- 2001 and was featured in the West able Trust and Corn- Briton when he tried to trace any wall Heritage Trust living relatives of his great, great employed professional grandfather. archaeologists to help However it generated no response research and rebuild it. so Roy has delved back into his Initial work saw two family tree and is now hoping the trace back through his great, support stones re- great, great grandmother’s family line. placed in their original Last week he was in Truro attempting to find out more about his Neolithic footings but Cornish ancestors. It is a journey that he has found fascinating. the third stone had to He said: “My great, great grandfather came from here in Truro be adjusted to comply with health and safety regulations. and went to the US in the 1860s. The main capstone measuring 3.3m (11ft) long, 2.5m (8ft) wide “He started in California and then made his way down to Arizona and 30cm (1ft) thick was dropped into position by a large crane. and finally into New Mexico. He met my great, great grandmoth- According to the trust, Carwynnen Quoit is among 12 similar mon- er who was a Navajo lady – he married her and they had two uments around the county. boys. “They were half Cornish, half Navajo – they never had a Cornish From the CAV—Ballarat Branch newsletter pasty in their lives but they were Cornish boys.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thomas Varker Keam returned to Truro and died in 1904 and Ontario Cornish visit Cornwall was buried in Kenwyn. On his death he gifted money to the Roy- al Cornwall Museum and some of his possessions from the US A member of the TCA donated a book from Cornwall: are housed at the Truro museum. Cornish Feasts and Festivals, by Liz Woods and illustra- It is these connections which brought Roy to return to Truro. tions by Freya Laughton which he purchased in He said: “I love to explore this area and learn more about where at the Morab Library Book Launch. He also attended the my ancestors came from. I was amazed when we found the Flora Day on May 8. See items of interest. grave last time I was here but I would still like to trace some liv- ing relatives – it would be great to make a connection with some- Several other members of the Toronto Cornish Association one here as well.” visited Cornwall this summer. They visited the various gar- Roy is hoping to get in touch with anyone who might be related dens and attended the Helston Furry Day. The weather was to Grace Stephens who was born in 1808 and died in 1883 and wet and wonderful. They were able to give the society’s who had earlier descendants named Stephens, Sandoe and book, Cornish Emigrants to Ontario, volume II, to the Bolitho. Cornish Studies Library. If anyone has any information relating to Roy’s family: email [email protected] Cornish: The Forgotten Culture ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Poldark Mine near is set in The Kelly Library have agreed to the TCA mounting an three acres of gardens in a very rural exhibition in about six display cases located in the entrance area of Cornwall just 6 miles from the foyer of the library. The subject is Cornwall, History, Cul- sea. The well-known mining attraction ture and Industry. The exhibition will be installed on 1st has recently reopened under new August and will remain until the end of October 2014. management and as part of the Cor- The Society believes it's an excellent opportunity to expose nish Mining World Heritage Site has a Cornish culture locally in Toronto to younger people. special place in the story of tin mining. The Poldark Mortar Outcrop, a Scheduled Monument within the main

car park, is believed to have been used during the latter half of the From several TCA newsletters prehistoric period (approximately 2000 BC to 43 AD) to grind tin ore to ……………………………………………………………………. fine sand before smelting. Hidden until 2001 by a layer of soil, the out- crop at Poldark further extends the historical importance of Cornwall New Mexico man searching for Cornish relatives as a centre of metalliferous mining and sheds valuable light on the roots of our industrial heritage. Trenear Stamps, a mechanized tin By RWhitehouse | Posted: June 13, 2014 West Briton crushing site, is also recorded as being in operation by 1493, within what is now Poldark. This is understood to be the first such site record- A DESCENDANT of a Cornishman and a Navajo woman is hop- ed in Cornwall. ing to trace some relatives from his Cornish side. Roy Keams Dan http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/news/cornish-mining-newsletter lives in New Mexico but has been to Truro twice in a bid to -summer-2014 learn more about his Cornish ancestors. 56 Correspondence con’t: The Ballarat newsletter reports that a Bronze Age quartz pavement is to be revealed for the first time in over 70 years. The Year of the Cornish, Celtic Festival The pavement, at the Hurlers stone circle on Moor, is at Glen Innes, 1st – 4th May believed to be the only one in the British Isles. The only time the 4000 year old causeway has been uncovered was when men Terry & Margaret Johnson, Noel Carthew, and Dorothy Kitto stabilized the site and re-erected a number of stones in 1938. travelled to Glen Innes for the Celt- ic Festival – and struck the worst From the Cornish Association of South Australia newsletter weather they’ve ever had for the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ festival! Two days with estimated maximum 9C– but felt more like 3C – with a chance of snow; winds Barbara H. Timblin of 30-40km almost constant, with 1927-2014 sleet; stallholders tents being blown away, and a corresponding On April 8, 2014, Barbara Timblin, an extraordi- general lack of numbers attending. nary lady, very proud of her Cor- While there were many comments nish heritage, passed away at home. about it being good Celtic weather for a Celtic festival, the recent Barbara’s SEMMONS Southern Sons of Cornwall newsletter reported that the weather made Cornish weather seem like the Sahara desert. (Dorothy grandparents came from St. Just, claimed she was still quite comfortable camping in her tent!) Cornwall to Central City, Colorado The only event able to proceed outdoors as planned was the street before the turn of the century. parade, which only went for 2 or 3 blocks along the main street There her mother was born. Bar- and back again; everything else had to be hastily moved under bara’s grandparents were part of the some sort of cover or cancelled. gold mining community prior to However, for all that, it was certainly worth the effort to be there, moving to Denver. and the Cornish representation was made very welcome among Barbara was born in Den- the many representatives of the other Celtic communities in Aus- ver in 1927. In 1948 she graduated tralia (Asturian, Breton, Galician, Irish, Manx, Scottish and from St. Luke’s School of Nursing. She was head nurse Welsh). The first stones at Glen Innes were erected in 1991, after being on a surgical wing at St. Luke’s and continued her educa- proposed by the Celtic Council of Australia in 1989, and a search tion to earn a B.S. in Nursing and finished the graduate for a suitable program in Institutional Supervision. After her marriage location in to Lloyd “Tim” Timblin she moved to Boulder, CO. Australia – Barbara and Tim sang in their church choir and both for the the Colorado University Festival Choir until it was discon- site, and a tinued in 1992; she then joined the Boulder Chorale for location to several years until her Parkinson’s made standing too dif- find the ac- ficult. tual stones; Barbara had many interests, including travel, par- each stone needed to be ticularly to her beloved Cornwall and Gatherings of the 5.5 metres Cornish Cousins around this country. While it was ac- long, with one third to be buried in the ground. There are now 40 tive, Barbara served the Colorado Cornish Cousins as stones in alignments of the summer & winter solstices, and true Vice-President and Director for the group. She was also a north and south, east and west with the Southern Cross also being long-time member of CAHS. included in the layout (and an Excalibur stone, complete with Those of us who had the privilege of meeting Bar- sword!) bara at Gatherings know that Parkinson’s disease could ———————————————- not diminish Barbara; she simply would not let it! Abridged by Tommi O’Hagan Planning is well under way for May 18 -24, 2015.

Events of particular interest to Association members include the Dressing the Graves, to be held on Wednesday 20th May (Kadina

9.30 am, Wallaroo 11.30 am, Moonta 1.30 pm), and 2015 will include Greens Plains for the first time, with a ceremony in that cemetery on Tuesday 19th May 11.00 am. Thursday 21st May will be our Association’s Seminar, with ‘Meet the Cornish’ on Friday 22nd May. 57 Correspondence con’t: The Cornish are a Nation AUSTRALIAN CELTIC FESTIVAL Facebook.com Glenn Innes Our beautiful Kernow. To say that Cornish weather was turned on for the Year of Corn- She belongs to us. wall in Glen Innes over 1-4 May, would be to slander those shores washed by the Gulf Stream. It was FRIGID! Yes it was In future, when writing out addresses, why not drop Cornwall strength windy, but that made it even worse— 'Cornwall' and use 'Kernow'? especially for the activities and tents at the Standing stones. It is recognised by the Royal Mail and is the true name of our Country.

Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network http://www.cornishancientsites.com/

Youtube: Cornish Jukebox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5mluQSwE6Y

The street parade was held in strong winds and between show- ers. Hundreds lined up to watch the parade and cheer us on.

About 35 Cornish braved the march with more on the curb chanting in Rob Lloyd’s Oggie, Oggie, Oggie! Then it was on up to the Standing Stones, where a scene of devastation met us. The wind had picked up to 40km and while it was bad in town up on the heights it had cut a swath through the tents erected for various Societies, and for us to showcase Cornish and the Cornish, and the History tent where Owen Trembath, Cheryl Hayden and Chris Dunkerley had been sched- Article from Cornish Association of New South Wales newsletter uled to give Talks on Cornwall - cancelled. The Guardians Ceremony where Joy and Roger again repre- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ sented the Guardians, and Chris as sword bearer, was held “indoors”. If your ancestors were wealthy enough to leave a memorial in the church, you might be lucky enough to find a photo of it here:

http://churchmonumentssociety.org/Cornwall.html

Di Gibbs Cornish List Serve ******************************************************************************************* After about five and a half years of intensive genealogy research, I

decided to write a book on this advancing field (DNA, most signifi-

cantly) and then follow up with an accompanying YouTube chan- nel (Ancestry 2.0) and facebook page, where I could post videos walking people through examples from my own family ancestry... the goal being to help others get through brick walls that tended to We then were privileged to support a plaque unveiling ceremony require more "outside the box" thinking than usual. Please feel to our late member and Glen Innes stalwart Jean Tregurtha, at free to visit and/or subscribe! New videos will be posted once a the aptly named Tregurtha Way. It was great to see some of John & Jean's family there, with their kilts worn by some family week or thereabouts. members. Jason Weekley

Newsletter of Cornish Association of New South Wales 58 Items of Interest There's an old Cornish saying: 'Save a stranger from the sea, he'll turn your enemy...'

When her reclusive grandmother becomes too frail to live alone, Gabriella Blythe moves into the remote waterside cabin on Frenchman's Creek which has been her grandmother's home for dec- ades. Once a celebrated artist, Jaunty's days are coming to a close but she is still haunted by events in her past, particularly the sinking of Lancasteria during the war.

Everything is fine until a handsome stranger arrives in a storm, seeking help. Finn has been left a family legacy: a delicate watercolour of a sailing boat which leads him to this beautiful stretch of Cornish water. As Finn begins to pick at the clues of the painting, he is drawn into the lives of Gabe and Jaunty, unraveling a remarkable story of identity and betrayal . . .

In her delightful new novel, Liz Fenwick weaves a spelling binding tale of romance and intrigue, set against the gorgeous Cornish coast.

Available Paperback $13.79 at Amazon.com or Orionbooks.co.uk 12.99 Pounds.

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The Ancient Paths by Graham Robb or Discovering the Lost Map of Celtic Europe

When Graham Robb made plans to cycle the legendary Via Heraklea, he had no idea that the line he plotted – stretching from the south-western tip of the Iberian Peninsula, across the Pyrenees and towards the Alps – would change the way he saw a civilization. It was an ancient path that took him deep into the world of the Celts: their gods, their art, and, most of all, their sophisticated knowledge of science. Gradually, a lost map revealed itself, of an empire constructed with precision and beauty across vast tracts of Europe. Oriented according to the movements of the Celtic sun god, the map had been forgotten for almost two millennia. Its implications were astonishing. Minutely researched and rich in revelations, The Ancient Paths brings to life centuries of our distant history and reinter- prets pre-Roman Europe. Told with all of Robb’s grace and verve, it is a dazzling, unforgettable book.

Amazon Paperback edition $9.68 Amazon.com or Kindle edition 4.19 pounds, paperback 6.29 pounds at Amazon.co.uk

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The Cornish Miner by Jamie Roberts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMorxwQyOGY

What a debt we owe these men of Kernow. They came, they saw, they conquered, BUT, it cost most of them an early grave. They came from Cornwall searching for a new life for themselves and future generations.

Kernow bys Vyken Oll an Gwella

Tom and Libby Luke Photo courtesy of fingalvalleyhistory.com Cornwall Coal Mine opened in 1886

59 Items con’t:

Cornish Feasts and Festivals By Liz Woods

This book describes 30 traditional and recent revivals, linking them imaginatively with traditional dishes and modern feasts using local ingredi- ents. Each festival is illustrated with a quirky, fun illustration and accompanying recipe, old or new. For each recipe there is a photo of the finished dish. The book provides a lively, sometimes idiosyncratic, look at Cornish history, folklore, food and customs. It guides you around the county and enables you to cook your own Cornish feast. Available at Amazon.com from $2.08 to $7.42

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The Jews of Cornwall

Keith Pearce has written a book on a little known aspect of Cornish history. The book catalogues the identities, occupations and commercial contribution of Jews who lived in Cornwall in the 18th and 19th centuries and who settled in the southern ports of Falmouth, Penzance and Truro, as well as in and St. Austell. There are comprehensive family trees, biographies, information from public records, membership of civic organizations, such as Freemasonry, and complete translations of Hebrew headstones, which should be of great value to those tracing their own family history. Keith was born in Cornwall. Of Methodist heritage, Keith taught religious studies, politics and law to 6th form students in Penzance up to his retirement. He is the custodian of the Penzance Jewish cem- etery. Keith also wrote The Lost Jews of Cornwall: From the Middle Ages to the Nineteenth Century. Available from Amazon.com for $42.97.

Thank you to Nick Bartle’s article in the New Zealand Cornish Association newsletter ======

GORSEDH KERNOW CORNISH BARDS OF THE TAMAR VALLEY/BERDH KERNOW NANS AN TAMAR

To commemorate the 2014 Gorsedh taking place in Torpoint, has put together a publica- tion which details the lives and work of 33 deceased bards who lived and worked – at least for part of their lives – on both sides of the Tamar. There are also details of 38 living bards and the work they are doing for Cornwall now. This is the fifth in a planned series covering the area in which the annual Gorsedh is held.

Cornish Bards of theTamar Valley/Berdh Kernow Nans an Tamar; A4 format; price £6.50 + postage. (Costs with postage: UK £8.25; Europe £11.50; Rest of World £14.00 Airmail, £11.50 Surface). Available from 4th September 2014. For more information and an order form go to: http://www.gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/downloads/Tamar_Valley_order_form.pdf

60 Items con’t: In Their Time. A Timeline Journal for Placing Family Events into Historical Context 1000-2076 By Roger L. Dudley Reviewed by Bobbi King

This is a very clever idea of a book. It furnishes a handy format for recording timelines of world events in the lifetimes of our ancestors. Roger Dudley has put together a neat system of journaling the events occurring within a person’s lifetime. He begins in the year 1000 and ends in the year 2076, surely enough time for our kids to keep the record going. The left side page has a list of significant world events, and the right side page is an empty, lined page. You write the names of the people living during those times on the empty page. It’s an effortless way to write down the names of our ancestors near the current events of the time. An introductory page offers instructions on how best to use the book, with a page defining the abbreviations used throughout the text. After a few years of collecting names of cousins and grandparents, there comes a time when we need to write their stories. Besides documenting the dates and places, we need to write about the times in which they lived. The times when our fathers burned the autumn leaves in the alley, when city side streets were dirt, when trains had cabooses, and when there was no electricity, indoor plumbing, nor computers, and when text messaging was furtively getting a small folded note passed from your classroom desk to your compatriot in the back. This journaling guide will help get you started. Published by Warfield Press LLC., Prescott AZ. 2012. 793 pages.

Available from Amazon.com for $23.73.

From Dick Eastman’s Online Newsletter of June 17, 2014

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Free Family Record Forms from the Library of Congress Web Site

Long before the invention of home computers that could generate forms, many families recorded their important family events within their Bibles. Whether printed as part of the Bible or printed on separate paper forms that could be stored alongside the family Bible, these forms often were ornate with beautiful artwork. The Library of Congress has collected many of these forms and made them available online. Some are simple “fill in the blank” forms while others have space to manually paste in pictures. Some of these forms are huge! Downloading them may take a minute or two on a slow to medium speed Internet connection. However, I will suggest the results are worth the wait to manually paste in pictures. All of the forms are available free of charge.

You can download any of these old Family Records and Family Register forms and even print them on your own printer, then use them as you wish. Many of them are “oversized.” If so, they cannot be printed on a normal computer printer that only han- dles 8½ by 11 inch paper. However, you can always save them to a flash drive and then have them printed on an oversized printer or plotter at FedEx Office or other service that has such hardware available. You can even send the print image to online to FedEx.com and either pick up the finished printout in person or have it shipped to you. You will have to pay a few dollars for the printing and shipping, of course.

You can find many Family Records and Family Register forms by starting at: Library of Congress.

From Dick Eastman’s Online Newsletter of June 17, 2014

61 The Great Debate Grass Valley Undeterred

Mineral Point humbly accepts Mineral Point Named “Most Cornish” The most Cornish town in America plaque now resides on Place in America the main floor of the Mineral Point Public Library, the spoils of victory from the great debate with my good friend Gage McKinney. The great debate of 2014—“which is the most Cornish place in America”—didn’t go my way. But I would not have missed it. Perhaps I had a “home court” advantage with the debate My friend, Jim Jewell, was a worthy adversary, held in Wisconsin. Like a politician I worked the morning and when he spoke for Mineral Point he made Wisconsin crowd at the La Quinta Gathering hotel, shook hands with proud. And what a place it is—an unglaciated jewel on the everyone I saw, kissed babies and reminded One and All-- breast of the continent. vote for Mineral Point. Mineral Point has achieved what every post- industrial town in America or Cornwall hopes to achieve. It has reestablished its identity based on a rich heritage, Grass Valley and Mineral Point are but two of many historic embodied in preserved Cornish cottages at Pendarvis. Through the efforts of artists and other creative people it Cornish settlement spots in North America. Before Face- has become viable in a new era. th th book and Twitter, Cornish folk in the 19 and early 20 cen- Grass Valley, California, has done the same, and turies had their own social networking within North America. done it while maintaining its Cornish heritage, especially its carols and male voice choir. There, as historian A. C. Todd put it, “Cornwall is never far away.” Just as airlines today have major hubs in certain cities, our What surprised me about the great debate in Mil- Cornish ancestors had hubs in far flung locations such as waukee wasn’t that Jim’s town won and my town lost. Grass Valley, California; Butte, Montana; Calumet, Michigan What surprised me was that we didn’t hear from other as well as towns in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, Arizo- towns. Gold Hill, Nevada had her champion. Someone na and others. called: “New Almaden!” What of Pen Argyle? Calumet? Ely? Bowmanville? Butte? Lead? Jerome? I had hoped the debate might have ended with a cacophony of claimants or A few days after the Gathering I had lunch in Mineral Point with enough write-ins to make the balloting inconclusive. with Mike and Juliet Kiernan of Redruth who extended their Perhaps Jim and I debated too well. Or maybe the Gathering visit with a week long tour of area cemeteries. voters—even the few from the Far West—wanted to give Mike is head of the Global Migration Programme that helps me what I had coming for stirring up a controversy. document and trace the Great Migration of the Cornish. Wherever they settled in America our ancestors Mike had with him the excellent binder which shows the sta- took Cornwall with them. In our time we do the same. The most Cornish place in America is any place where we tistics of when and where the Cornish immigrated to within gather, sing Trelawny and tell stories. America. In effect it clearly shows an interior diaspora of the After the Saturday night banquet in Milwaukee I Cornish after they arrived here. had a pint with a group that included Richard J. C. Hoskin. He asked, what are these gatherings all about? He an- swered his own question by citing a beloved hymn: “that I Hopefully the debate helped to highlight those past connec- may fight befriended.”* tions in the family reunion atmosphere of the successful 17th We are fighting against the forces that would wipe Gathering of the Cornish Cousins. In the 21st century per- the world clean of minority cultures. We are fighting the haps a CAHS volunteer can use Facebook, YouTube or homogeneity that would reduce individualism to patterns other relevant media to keep the Cornish connections alive. of consumption. We are fighting for a more authentic life ---Jim Jewell that acknowledges who we are and where we come from. I’m glad to fight that good fight with Jim Jewell and all my Cornish friends beside me. – Gage McKinney

*”O Sacred Head Sore Wounded,” words by Robert Bridges, 1899 62

100: The Day Our World Changed 11 August 2014

On Sunday 3rd August WildWorks theatre company took to the harbour, to the streets, to the fields and to the gardens of the villages of , Gorran and St Ewe to reimagine the haunting day that war was announced. A unique performance, 100: The Day Our World Changed, started at 5:30 am at the Gorran War Memorial and climaxed with a haunting battle field, a shared grave and a long roll-call, near to dusk, of the names and short personal descriptions of each of the 53 local men who were killed as a result of the First World War.

This unique spectacle involved several community male and female voice choirs, local children, sewing bees and crafting groups, gardening experts, comedians, fishermen and their boats, pyro- technicians and hundreds of volunteers who brought the epic day together. The cast of hundreds, made up of many local volunteers merged with professional actors, moving through several set- tings, driving a powerful and deep impact via the tiniest of details as well as extraordinary land- scapes. Throughout the day, an audience of over 5000 found themselves in the midst of the expe- rience, seeing, hearing, learning and feeling something of the actual events and experiences that would have occurred amongst the residents of the three Cornish parishes on that fateful day one hundred years ago.

Other elements of the day included thousands of residents and visitors alike turning out at Mevagissey Quay with local dignitaries to mark the centenary. A 1914 town crier summoned local men to depart whilst in the distance, a lugger was seen approaching the harbour. Here, the audi- ence met the main characters caught up in the drama: the local squire, Jack Tremayne; Jack, one of his gardeners from Heligan; and Mary, his true love, and after that, they followed them as a motif throughout the day. The audience then follow the men of the naval reserve leaving to go to war, departing the Mevagissey village en masse, marching to the sounds of St Austell Town Band like they did 100 years ago, up into the grounds of Heligan.

Squire Tremayne then invited the audience for a harvest picnic in Valentine’s Field below Heli- gan House, where a stage of traditional rural activities was set. At the heart of the gardens, on Flora’s Green, an Edwardian bandstand was used as a focus for the drama throughout the after- noon. At Heligan House, the audience had privileged access into the normally private grounds, as the Squire got involved with preparations for war.

Back in the gardens, the audience heard the stories of the Heligan gardeners who enlisted and never came back. An outdoor chapel was created on the bandstand, which became the backdrop for a sig- nificant moment in the performance. The audience then experience a cinematic-style climax as they promenaded back out into the fields to witness various haunting visions of the future and the deaths and burials of the lost gardeners of the Estate.

Once again, we would really like to thank every single person that was involved in this truly unique and extremely memorable event.

http://heligan.com/news-events/news-article/100-the-day-our-world-changed1

Thank you to Dane Watkins, Research Assistant to Dr. Misha Myers on Augmenting Impact with Social Media

[email protected]

63 4. Society focused on area where my ancestors lived – 48%. 5. Library’s resources (books, computers, microfilm) – 47% Survey results indicate genealogists join 6. Informative newsletter/journal/magazine – 46% societies for camaraderie 7. Research assistance and guidance – 45% Posted on July 24, 2014 by Gail Dever 8. Affordable membership fee – 44% 9. Lectures – 43% Gail Dever is a Montreal-based genealogy blog- 10. Members are friendly and helpful – 40% ger, who writes daily about family history news, 10. Remote access to “members only” online databases – 40% resources, and issues on her blog, Genealogy à la carte, at http://www.genealogyalacarte.ca. She is Learning opportunities not a huge factor also a webmaster for the British Isles Family Histo- Other learning opportunities, such as conferences (36%), work- ry Society of Greater Ottawa. shops (34%), and webinars (24%), appear in the top 20, howev- er, they are not among the top factors one may expect, given the Are you listening, genealogical societies? Here are the results amount of work and cost required from a society. to last week’s survey question: What are the most important While only one of five respondents chose message boards (21%) factors that make you decide to join a genealogy society? and free queries (20%), significantly more people (31%) prefer Background the ability to post to a surname research database. Due to publicity on blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, 490 people participated in the survey that provided 37 multiple-choice an- Member discounts and advocacy attract few swers. More than 40 people checked the Other box and provid- Way down the list are member discounts, ranging from 10 to 18 ed additional responses. percent. Although many respondents indicated they join societies Many thanks to all who participated and to those who promoted to network with other genealogists, they appear much less inter- the survey. ested in field trips (15%) and social events (11%). Very few re- spondents join a society for its advocacy program, partnerships, Focus on camaraderie, resources, and newsletter – at an or board of directors. affordable price According to the results of this survey, if your society wants to 11. I want to help fellow genealogists – 36% increase membership, it should focus efforts to build camarade- 11. Conferences – 36% rie, encourage members to share and learn from each other, 12. Workshops – 34% develop the library’s resources, maintain/increase the content 13. Ability to post to surname research database – 31% and quality of its newsletter, provide lectures, and offer an af- 14. Email communication with members about activities, resources, and fordable membership fee. news – 25% 15. Webinars – 24% Most important factors The top two reasons people join a society are for the people. 16. I live near the society – 23% 17. Message board for members – 21% While genealogists often do much of their research alone, it 18. Variety of special interest groups – 20% perhaps comes as no surprise that close to a majority of re- 18. Free queries – 20% spondents — about 60 percent — join societies for the oppor- 19. Member discounts on lecturers, seminars, and workshops – 18% tunity to meet people and learn from others. Forty-five percent 19. Volunteer opportunities – 18% also said “research assistance and guidance” is an important 20. Society is a leader in the field of genealogy – 17% factor and 40 percent join because members are friendly and helpful. 21. Field trips – 15% The number three reason genealogists join societies is to 21. Member discounts on conferences – 15% “improve my research skills” (54%). As for organized opportu- 22. Member discounts on commercial databases – 13% nities to learn, only lectures appear in the top ten. Is this be- 22. Society partners with other organizations – 13% 23. Member discounts on books and magazines – 12% cause lectures are often free for members? Is it the frequency 24. Recommendation from a friend – 11% of lectures that encourage people to join? 24. Social activities – 11% Cost is also an important factor, suggested by 45 percent of 24. Society recognizes volunteers’ contributions – 11% respondents who selected “affordable membership fee.” Other top ten factors are the library’s resources (47%), newslet- 25. Member discounts on research – 10% ter (46%), and remote access to members only databases 26. Other – 9% (40%). 27. Useful new member packages – 8% 27. I want to provide financial support – 8% 1. Opportunity to network with people passionate about genealogy – 28. Society has an advocacy program – 7% 61% 29. Society’s board of directors – 2% 2. Opportunity to meet knowledgeable members to help me – 59% 3. I want to improve my research skills – 54% This article was reprinted with permission of Gail Dever. 64 Survey results indicate people leave  What were the main reasons you did not renew your long- societies because little value offered distance society membership? (26 multiple-choice an- Posted on August 15, 2014 by Gail Dever swers) The majority of respondents — 66 percent – currently belong to Gail Dever is a Montreal-based genealogy blogger, one or more societies with 28 percent belonging to between who writes daily about family history news, re- three and five. Almost 30 percent of respondents do not belong sources, and issues on her blog, Genealogy à la to a genealogy society today, but have belonged to one in the carte, at http://www.genealogyalacarte.ca . She is past. Five percent have never been a member. also a webmaster for the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa. Top 10 reasons not to renew

In local societies, after the number one ranked answer, little While the most important reason to join a genealogy society may value offered for membership, respondents expressed their be camaraderie, the top reason people decide not to renew their disaffection with how the society was managed, such as the membership has less to do with networking with people and same people had been running the society for too long and the learning from other genealogists and more to do with what they society was not adapting to new methods and technology. Peo- receive for the cost of their membership. ple also said they had not been learning from their society, the According to the results of last week’s survey, What were the lectures did not interest them, and there were no useful re- main reasons you did not renew your genealogy society sources. Reason number 10 was because of the unfriendly at- membership?, the number one reason people quit a society, mosphere, followed by not feeling welcome at the 11th position. whether it is located locally or far away, is because little value is In long-distance societies, after the number one ranked an- offered for the cost of the membership fee. The unfriendly at- swer, little value offered, two of the top reasons for not renewing mosphere ranks as only the number 10 reason people leave. were lack of resources and learning opportunities. While the When asked for Other reasons why they did not renew, the num- number six reason was because the membership fee increased, ber one reason survey respondents gave was that they forgot, this reason was much less significant for local society mem- were not reminded, or could not pay online. (Are you listening, bers societies?) .

The results of this latest survey are somewhat in contrast to Long-distance societies July’s survey about why people join societies. While about 60 1. There was little value offered for the cost of the membership fee. percent of respondents had said they join a society for the peo- 2. No resources useful to my research. ple, in the latest survey only eight percent of respondents said 3. No learning programs that benefit long-distance members. they leave because of an unfriendly atmosphere. This low per- 4. No plan to increase online resources for members. centage is likely because most societies are friendly, and I hope 5. Concentrating on another area of research. that this is the case. 5. Personal reasons (health, family travel, finances). The respondents were less in agreement about their reasons for 6. Membership fee increased. not renewing. The number one reason — little value offered — 7. No longer learning from the society. was selected by less than 25 percent of respondents, compared 8. Preferred to spend money on subscription websites. to the 60 percent who chose the number one reason for joining. 9. Joined another society or belonged to others. In the July survey about joining a society, between 40 and 60 9. Newsletter did not interest me. 10. Joined to connect with local researchers, but none was available percent of respondents agreed with the top 10 multiple-choice to help me. answers. In the latest survey, however, the opinions are more wide-ranging, where only eight to 22 percent of respondents Members not friendly agreed with the top 10 multiple-choice answers. Looking at the next five reasons why people do not renew their membership at a local society, respondents said they felt un- Background welcome and the members were not friendly. They also chose Even though both surveys were held during peak summer the lack of learning opportunities for another reason. After the months, the survey conducted in August about why people do top 15 reasons, the sample size was too small to include those not renew attracted only 302 respondents, compared to the 490 results in this summary. Less than 15 people chose each of the people in July who responded about why they join. This re- other reasons. sponse rate probably makes sense and suggests that more peo- As for the reasons why people did not renew their membership ple join societies than quit. If not, our societies would be facing in a long-distance society, apart from the top 11 reasons, less an impossible deficit in membership numbers. than 15 people chose the other reasons, which did not provide The August survey asked respondents three questions: a sufficient level of response to be considered.  In how many societies are you currently a member?  What were the main reasons you did not renew your local society membership? (44 multiple-choice answers)

65 Society’s con’t: August 20, 2014 Local societies 11. Did not feel welcome at meetings and/or lectures. Dear Kathryn,

12. Concentrating on another area of research. Ilka and I have attended the last ten CAHS gatherings. I helped 12. Society did not offer special interest groups that interested me. organize two of them and countless gatherings in California. As we 12. Lectures and courses had become stale and dated. flew towards the Midwest I told Ilka I had lost my enthusiasm, so 13. Members not friendly. this might be my last. 14. Had exhausted all of the society’s resources. Coming to Milwaukee changed my mind. What an event! The 14. Membership fee increased. high points for me were the brass band concert and lectures by 15. Joined another society or belonged to other societies. Cathering Sawinski and Mark Taylor. The seminars were great 16. Opening hours were not convenient. and the company companionable. (Other reasons received less than 15 responses.) Thank you for restoring my enthusiasm for our Cornish Com- munity. Long-distance societies I know the let down one can feel after putting on an event like 11. Did not like how the society was managed. this. I hope instead you'll feel uplifted by what you and your team (BDPC) have done. Ilka and I will always think fondly of Milwau- This article was reprinted with permission from Gail Dever. kee. And we look forward to the next gathering. ______Sincerely, Shivaree by Dorothy Beckwith Gage

You may have heard of newlyweds being serenaded by belling or horning. But around northwest Illinois, our term is shivaree [shĭv'ə-rē']. No matter what you call it, it was NOISE The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and and it was an honor to be shivareed. RootsTech are teaming up for a one-time special genealogy Pots and pans, kettles and lids, horns, cowbells, and event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Feb- anything else which made noise were used. Cacophonous pan- ruary 11–14, 2015. FGS and RootsTech will share the expo hall, demonium! [Please forgive me! I love those words and seldom general sessions, activities, and more while each conference of- get to use them!] fers their own program of sessions. FGS sessions will focus on Shivarees were especially common during the 1800s methodology, records, ethnic research, and migration for honing and into the mid 1900s along and west of the Mississippi River. your research skills and society issues to motivate and inspire Since couples did not have elaborate honeymoons, flying off to society volunteers. RootsTech will offer a program of technology- Hawaii or some other exotic island, they went home. Their based solutions for the genealogy needs of both individuals and friends, wanting to give them a big send-off anyway, arrived at societies. the couples’ home, armed with their noisemakers. As darkness Register for FGS only or add-on a RootsTech pass for an ad- descended and the lights went out assuring the revelers that ditional fee to have access to both programs. the couple had gone to the nuptial bed, they began their bang- ing of pans and lids, and their whooping and hollering. The Registration young couple handled this in various fashion: the visitors were Special Early Registration ends Sept. 12, 2014 invited in for a bit of a brew, or were given money to go off to Early Registration ends January 23, 2015 the local pub. If not, the noise continued until the groom made Regular Registration ends February 6, 2015 his decision. Onsite Registration begins February 10, 2015 It seems as though shivarees were not always held for Easy online registration for the conference and associated lunch- newlyweds, but sometimes for anniversary couples. The eons and special events is now available. Shullsburg, WI’s Pick and Gad in February 1931, reported that William Edward Laity and his wife Ada of Scales Mound, Illi- https://www.fgsconference.org/2015/registration/user-registration/ nois, were shivareed on their 50th wedding anniversary. Cor- nish family and friends had gathered for a meal and social, when horns and tin pans and all sorts of instruments used to make a noise seemed to have gathered around the house. It proved to be a bunch of friends who thought Will would be of- "The Cornish being a race of men stout of fended if he weren't shivareed. After they had considerable stomach, mighty of body and limb and that exercise in this line, they were invited in to partake of a lunch. lived hardly in a barren country, and many of Mr. Laity showed his appreciation by dancing a Cornish jig for them could for a need live under-ground, that the attendees. were tinners." - Francis Bacon, 1622

From Cornish Association of New South Wales 66

The Gorsedh and Its Bards…What is it all about?

In 1995 in Calumet, Michigan at the 8th Gathering of Cornish Cousins, attendees saw, most of them for the first time, a Cor- nish bardic ceremony. The bards who took part felt that the ceremony was mystifying to the observers. Who were these robed bards, what was the purpose of the ceremony? Who organized it? Information about the Gorsedh and Bards was provided in the program booklet for the 9th Gathering and other explanations have followed, most recently prior to the 16th Gathering in Mineral Point. Although the bardic ceremony has been a part of Gatherings in North America at almost every Gathering since 1995, Saturday evening in Milwaukee, WI, many attendees expressed questions. It is time again to provide an explanation. The bards who took part in the ceremony are members of the Gorseth Byrth Kernow (Gorsedh of Cornish Bards). In Corn- wall, a more extended ceremony is held annually – usually on the first Saturday in September and that is referred to as the Open Gorsedh. The event itself is designed to promote and preserve Cornwall’s cultural and historical identity.

“Gorsedh Kernow exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall: to promote the study of literature, art, music and history; to promote the study and use of the Cornish language; to maintain and nurture links with other Celtic cultures; to provide a forum and encouragement to all who work to further these aims.

(It is neither political nor religious, although some of its members are active in Cornish politics and church services in Cornish are held on special occasions throughout the year. It is allied to the of Wales and Brittany and has strong links with both these Celtic countries. It cannot be stressed too strongly that it has no connection whatsoever with Druidism nor with any pagan practice.)

It exists solely to uphold the Celtic traditions of Cornwall and to honour men and women who have made outstanding contributions to Cornwall and its ancient culture, history and language.”

How does Gorsedh Kernow do this?

Gorsedh Kernow pursues its aims by holding annual competitions and awarding trophies for excellence; by awarding Bardships to individuals for meritorious work for Cor- nish culture; by holding the Open Gorsedh ceremony each year; by responding to requests for information and supporting many fora, committees, agencies, etc. with delegates; by providing a focal point for Cornish societies and interest groups in Britain and worldwide.

To be considered for bardship, the candidate must be proposed by a Bard in good standing and seconded by another. The seconder must give extra information and not just reiterate details given by the proposer. Proposer and seconder should state what the candidate has done specifically for Cornwall in his/her lifetime. It can be in any field of activity – any of the arts, history, sport, charity, leadership, Cornish study. Nominations are strictly confidential – the candi- date should not be consulted. Anyone found to have canvassed for Bardship will not be considered. Nominations go to the Admissions’ Committee and Gorsedh Council for a decision.

The annual “Open Gorsedh” is the largest ceremony performed by Gorsedh Kernow. At this time new bards are admitted and competition prizes and major awards are presented. It is performed, weather permitting, in the open at various points across Cornwall, and the public is encouraged to attend. The Gorsedh relies heavily on the support and co-operation of the local communities and Old Cornwall Societies to organize these ceremonies. Bards, following robing, process to the Gorsedh site and form a large circle, at the North-eastern point of which is a platform (The Rock) on which stand the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard, the Gorsedh Secretary and delegates from the Welsh and Breton Gorsedds. 67 Gorsedh con’t:

The proceedings open with a welcome from the Town Mayor or Local Dignitary, which is received and returned by the Grand Bard. The Gorsedh ceremony itself starts with a symbolic call to the four corners of the Nation, this being made by the Horner on the instructions of the Herald Bard.

This is followed immediately by the Gorsedh Prayer. The ceremony of peace is then performed by the Grand Bard, who thrice asks, “Is there peace?” On the assembled Bards replying “Peace”, the Gorsedh is declared open. The “Joining of the Sword” follows now. There is a divided sword for this part of the ceremony. One part is taken to The Rock by a representative of Brittany and the other part by a Bard of Cornwall. The Grand Bard joins the two parts together and gives the sword to the representative from Wales. This is to show the unity between Cornwall, Wales and Brittany. A dance by the children precedes the “Lady of Cornwall”, who is escorted by the Sword Bearer across the circle, presenting a sheaf of flowers and corn to the Grand Bard, sym- bolizing God’s gifts to Mankind. Then follows the song “He Will Come Again”. “He” is Arthur in this setting, representing the Celtic Spirit.

Now the Deputy Grand Bard offers a prayer for those Bards who have passed on during the past year. Their names are read and a commemoration hymn is sung. Initiate Bards are then escorted to the Grand Bard who gives them their Bardic names and welcomes them into the College of Bards. The delegates from Wales and Brittany give short addresses to the Gorsedh. Then, after any announcements, the song “” is sung.

The ceremony of the Sword follows. The partly-unsheathed sword is held aloft by the sword-bearer and is grasped by the Grand Bard. All at the The Rock join the Grand Bard by placing their hands on the Grand Bard’s shoulder. All the Bards break the circle and gather to the sword-bearer. By the same ‘hands on shoulder’ procedure, the whole Gorsedh is connect- ed to the Sword. On being asked by the Grand Bard to swear their loyalty to Cornwall, our Motherland, the Bards shout their fealty. All the Bards then sing “Land of Our Fathers”, following which they return to re-form the circle. The Cry of Peace, which preceded the opening of the Gorsedh is repeated before the Gorsedh is declared closed. The Bards and distinguished guests then process off the site. The bardic gatherings held outside Cornwall are not Gorsedds but are ceremonies which follow a similar order of service. The Cry of Peace is usually part of it but unlike the Gorsedh itself which is held totally in Cornish, the bardic ceremony may use some English to describe the proceedings to spectators. No bardic ceremony can be held without permission from the Cornish Gorsedh and the Grand Bard (who is presently Maureen Fuller) always sends a message of greeting to the assembly.

The Cornish Gorsedh is unique among the three Gorsedds in promoting bardic ceremonies overseas. It sees the interest in Cornwall elsewhere as a most important way of increasing an understanding of a Celtic region which almost lost an important part of its culture – its language. The Cornish Gorsedh promotes all things Cornish, but if it has a special cause it is the language. It believes fervently, along with the members of many other small (and large) ethnic groups that “hep tavas, hep tyr”.. That is to say, “without a language, without a land”.

Credits to Bards Alan Morrish, Stenor, and Gena Morrish, Myrgh Alban, and www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk Submitted by Tommi O’Hagan

68

Members’ Interest Page

By Jim Thomas [email protected]

This is Members’ Interest Page No 22, where we try and connect members who may not know that they are researching the same surnames. I have been doing this page off and on for the past five years and I am hoping you are getting some benefit from it. I am currently re-running names that have been in previous pages because many of the names in my da- tabase appear only once or twice. I am running names with at least four or five people interested. If you have a name you are researching and haven’t seen it on this page, let me know and I will see if anyone else lists that name also. Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Trennery/Trenary/Trenerry

Mary Artist-Holden [email protected] Elling Larson 613 N. 22nd St, Bismark, ND 58501 Alyssa Marone 999 E. 71st Ave, Denver, CO 80229

Bawden/Bowden/Bauden

Kay Balliet 1523 Helffrich Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530 Frances S. Bawden [email protected] Frances P. Bawden 1695 Scotch St SE, Salem, OR 97306 Pat Bawden [email protected] Clarence Knight [email protected] O’Rell [email protected] Carol Saldivar [email protected] Lawrence Smith [email protected] Gary Vivian [email protected] Judy Weaver [email protected] Susan Webber [email protected]

Trembath

Jerome Hoffman [email protected] Steve Murphy [email protected] Betty Scott [email protected] Margaret Teague [email protected]

The inclusion of changes /new information from continuing mem- bers with the listing of New Members, plus Jim Thomas’ Mem- bers Interest Page appear to have been encouraging an increase in correspondence or networking among family researchers!

PLEASE be sure to advise the Membership Chairperson, Ron Carbis, of any changes in home address, phone number or email address so that you do not miss any contacts which would be helpful to you or fail to receive your Tam Kernewek and/or news bulletins or announcements from the Executive Board. 69 Carin & David Thomas Surname: Thomas / Member Information #303 78 A Mc Kenney Avenue Williams / Gerrans, Laity / St. Albert, Alberta St. Hilary, Hendy / Helston, Renewals T8N 7E6 Lizard, Kendell / St. Mawes,

Joyce Johns Knight Surname: Johns, Hendra / Canada Edwards / 169 Andre Drive Gwinear, Johns / St. Erth, [email protected] Arroyo Grande, CA , Rowe, Knight / [email protected] 93420-1432 Roche, St. Blazey, St. 780-459-8230 [email protected] Austell 805-489-9777 Marilyn Sellenkowitsch Surname: Harvey / Kea, 214 Confederation Drive Blewett, Googh / Redruth, Elizabeth Argall Stone Surname: Argall / St. New- Toronto, Ontario , Lannin / Redruth, 181 Rock Avenue lyn East, Cundy / St. Ste- Canada Martin / St. Austell, Redruth Gillingham, Kent phens in Brannel, Edwards 416-431-0141 ME7 5PY Barbara J. Gardner-Bray Surname: Davey / St. Agnes, [email protected] 25 Queensgrove Road , Kenwyn, +44 1634 581 547 Scarborough, Ontario Davis / Camborne, M1N 3A9 St. Stephen-in-Brannel Michael & Valerie Parson Surname: Bonython, Leigh, Canada 1509 S 15th Avenue Godolphin, Cavendish [email protected] Edinburg, TX 416-698-0336 78539-5724 Beth Murley Surname: Murley, Barnes / Sandra I. Dunkel Surname: Goninan, Hosk- 3215 W. Mt. Hope Avenue St. Just in Penwith 2120 Grand Fir Drive ing, Grenfel / Redruth, Lansing, MI Enumclaw, WA Camborne 48911 98022-7407 [email protected] [email protected] 517-482-4700 360-802-9338 William Perry Bryant Surname: Poole / , Marion Stephens Surname: Stephens, 2240 Glen Canyon Road Adams, Bastian, Symons, 376 Milverton Blvd Kinch / Duloe, Lerryn, Santa Cruz, CA Trevarthen, Doubt Toronto, Ontario Dobwalls 95060-1214 M4J 1V9 [email protected] Canada 831-438-1791 [email protected] 416-466-0071 Sharon Markworth Surname: Chin, Ching, Chinn/ 8902 Dan Drive St. Keverne, Camborne, Miss Linda Lowrey Surname: Chenhall, But- North Royalton, OH Troon, Bennetts / Crowan, 222 Concession Street #406 son / Kenwyn, Gwennap, 44133 Harris, Trezona / Camborne, Hamilton, Ontario Chacewater, St. Agnes [email protected] Knight / Redruth, Camborne, 440-897-6495 Pearce / Wendron L9A 1B1

Canada Carolyn J. Meuer Surnames; Sleep, Tredenick, [email protected] 1104 Georgene Street Ferrel, Harris, King, Hauke, 905-389-8712 Dodgeville, WI Francis 53533 Dr. Norman D. Nicol Surname; Williams, Luke, [email protected] PO Box 1855 Hammill, Leverton, Allen, Shavertown, PA Eathorn ( e ), Trevethan, James D. Pascoe Surname: Pascoe / St. Just, 18708-0855 Thomas, Travis, Davey, 358 Sierra Drive Land’s End [email protected] Polkinghorn, Cowie, King, Traverse City, MI 570-639-1339 Glynn, Potter 49685 [email protected] 231-943-0804 70 Members con’t: Joan Scheu Surname: William Jewell / 676 Lake Point Drive Boscastle, Rule, Soadey Susan K. Knutson Surname: Kneebone, Weeks, Piney Flats, TN 417 Beech Bennett / Gwennap, Thomas/ 37686-4520 Kingsford, MI Sithney, Crowan, Rowling / [email protected] 49802-5217 Constantine, Uren / Wendron 423-854-8860 [email protected] Gwennap, Lannarth 906-774-3860 William Cook Surname: Barkles, Bartle, 2720 North 117th Place Bartel, Bartell, Harvey / David & Barbara Gilbert Surname: Walters, Dawe Wauwatosa, WI Camborne, Crowan, Gwinear 11314 Middle Point Road 53222-4102 Gundry / Camborne, Sithney, Eagle Harbor, MI [email protected] Nicklis / Camborne 49950 414-258-4109 [email protected] 906-289-4517 Jane & Jeffrey Bettinson Surname: Bettinson, Verran 2231 Carnbee Court SE Gordon J. Bolitho Surname: Bolitho / Helston Olympia, WA 2209 Browns Lake Drive Apt 106 Nancegollan 98513-9401 Burlington, WI [email protected] 53150 360-493-6040 [email protected] 262-661-4799 Larry Jose Surname: Barnecut, Jose 516 Fayette Street Jean Windberg Surname: Rule, Pengilly, Elan, Jonesville, MI 335 N. Pioneer Road Tremaine, Mann / Penzance 49520-1224 Waukegan, IL [email protected] 60085 517-320-1164 847-244-8546 Rejoin Michael O’Rell Surname: Oates / Kenwyn, 712 33rd Street Chasewater, Jeffery / St. Lowell & Elizabeth Mallett Surname: Trevarrow / St. Ives Manhattan Beach, CA Agnes, Perryman / St. Austell 4786 Lancelot Court Benney, Rippen / St. Agnes, 90266 Parsons / St. Issey, Tregea / Gladwin, MI Benney / St. Evan, Snell / [email protected] St. Agnes, Kenwyn 48624 Ludgvan, Hicks / Scilly Isles, 310-545-6712 [email protected] Harris 989-426-5523 Jeannette M. Enders Surname: Honeychurch, 5115 Willow Leaf Drive Stephens / , Good- Mary Gibbs Surname: Payne, Tresise, Sarasota, FL man, Hancock / St. Cleer 7721 Granada Road Lawry / Roche, Penzance, 34241-6232 Denver, CO St. Hilary [email protected] 80221 941-371-5824 303-428-1700

William F. Dickinson Surname: Bray, Pearn, Dyer Renewal to Life Member PO Box 355 Cossentine, Pengelly / Empire, MI Parish of Lanteglos-by- Kathryn & Vern Herman Surname: Fox, Opie / Redruth 49630 222 Park Place #476 Bryant / Camborne [email protected] Waukesha, WI 231-326-5117 53186 [email protected] 262-446-9406 New Member Correction David & Susan Howard Surnames: Penrose / Red- 5500 Stoney Creek Place ruth, Hornblower, Sims, San Jean Jolliffe Jose, CA Ferris, Trethuway / Email: [email protected] 95138-2462 Kenwyn ***Additional renewals and applications for membership were re- [email protected] ceived during the Gathering in Milwaukee. These will be included in 408-238-3771 71 the Winter newsletter.

Officers of the Cornish American Heritage Society for the years 2011-2014.

President - Kathryn Herman, 222 Park Place #476, Waukesha, WI 53186, [email protected] 1st VP-Education 2nd VP-Newsletter, Carolyn Haines, 3835 Bush Gardens Lane, Holt, MI 48842 - [email protected] Secretary - Jackie Marrone, 999 E. 71st Ave., Denver, CO 80229 - [email protected] Treasurer/Membership Chair, Ron Carbis, 13 Saint Ives Place, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-3457 - [email protected] Historian - Thomas Rusch, 528 Autumn Crest Dr., Watertown, WI 53094 - [email protected]

Founding President - Paul Liddicoat, 1920-2001. Past President - Thomas Rusch Tam Kernewek is published four times a year. Send articles to Carolyn Haines, EMAIL address above. DEADLINES ARE 15 FEBRUARY, 15 MAY, 15 AUGUST AND 15 NOVEMBER

**Email newsletter membership dues are $12 per year**

Dues are payable to CAHS: Canadian residents’ dues are $20.00 per year for individuals and $26.00 for families. There are also individual life-time memberships available for $250.00. A Junior Membership is available for young people for $10.00 per year. Please send Canadian dues to Len Snell, Box 286, Waterdown, ON LOR 2HO Canada.

USA residents dues are $15.00/year for individuals and $20.00 for families. There is also individual life-time membership available for a lifetime $215.00 for individuals. Junior Membership available for young people at $10.00 per year. Please send USA dues to: Ron Carbis, 13 Saint Ives Place, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-3457 USA

Overseas residents dues are $25.00/year for individuals, $26 for families. $250 for lifetime and $10 for young people.

Cornish American Heritage Society Membership Application (SEE ABOVE)

Name______Telephone______

Address______

City______State/Province______Zip/Postal Code______

Country______Local society affiliation______

Email______Fax______

Surnames of Cornish Ancestors Locations (parish, town, area) More? Please add new page ______

US $15 individual, $20 family, $215 Lifetime, $10 child. Canadian $20 individual, $26 family, $250 Lifetime, $10 child. **Email newsletter membership dues $12 per year See above addresses to remit.

I also enclose $______for Paul Smales Memorial Fund to bring presenters from Cornwall to the Gatherings. Cornish American Heritage Society Ron Carbis, Treasurer 13 Saint Ives Place Gaithersburg, MD 20877-3457

Address Service Requested

Check the Date Are your dues paid?

ISSN 1085-1267

Calendar

Contents Federation of Genealogical Societies/RootsTech Salt Lake City, Utah Certificate of Commendation page 48 11-14 Feb 2015 Presidents’ Messages 49 Cornish Gorsedh 2014, Diaspora Kernewek Lowender John Wesley 50 South Australia Keep Cornwall Whole, Evaluation 51-52 18th – 24th May 2015 Jeanne Thomas 52 Gathering Photos 53 24th Annual Gathering of Correspondence 54-58 California Cornish Cousins Items of Interest 59-61 Penn Valley/ Grass Valley The Great Debate—Jim and Gage 62 5-7 June 2015 100: The Day the World Changed 63 Survey—why people join a society 64 Trelawny Male Voice Choir Survey—why people leave a society 65-66 Toronto Canada Shivaree, letter, FGS and RootsTech 66 Tentatively Sept 2015 Gorsedh and Its Bards 67-68 Member’ Interest Page 69 18th Cornish American Gathering Member Information 70-71 Where?? When?? 2016??